In an age when the media flooding our inboxes and mailboxes can feel overwhelming and impersonal, a magazine devoted solely to the goings-on in New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton is a true blessing. By focusing on these three towns, we are able to offer an authentic window into the community we call home.
The people who fill these pages are not just faces in the crowd—they are friends and neighbors whose achievements, challenges and passions shape our towns. Because we live here ourselves, we are able to go beyond surface-level reporting. Our deep connections give us a unique perspective on the trends and issues that define our community.
Take, for example, our real estate feature, “Keys to the Market” (page 66). Written by longtime New Canaanite Liz Barron, who has spent the better part of the last five years navigating an in-town move, Liz understands firsthand the highs and lows of finding a home here. She has lived and breathed this story, and her experience added an extra level of insight when she interviewed other buyers and sellers, as well as realtors, architects and builders—capturing the full picture of our local market.
Georgette Yacoub, who writes our health column, lives in the Rowayton area. As a health and wellness expert and mother of young children, Georgette is naturally attuned to local offerings that make life healthier. When she hears about companies—like Everneat (page 20), with its non-toxic home and body products—working to create safer, healthier environments, she dives right in.
Elizabeth Hole is another example of a writer embedded in the community. A Darien resident, she had already visited the new French bakery Raphaëls (page 35), twice before I even had the chance to assign her the story. Elizabeth also helps me coordinate the People & Places section (page 41). Since I live in New Canaan, she keeps me informed about events in Darien and the wonderful organizations we should support as media partners. Together, we can usually identify most of the people in those photos without ever needing to call the organizations for help.
Personally, I have spent so much time with David Genovese over the past couple of years, watching Phase 2 of the Corbin District take shape, that I decided to write the story myself (page 50). I remember the old strip of stores where the Darien Toy Box once stood and could hardly wrap my head around the transformation when I stood in front of its future home overlooking the outdoor plaza at Corbin District. If I didn’t consider David a friend at this point, I would have struggled to keep his secret that Tuckernuck is coming to Darien!
Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved local restaurant, an in-depth profile of a community leader or an exploration of a town tradition, keeping our focus on New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton allows us to slow down, pay attention and celebrate the richness of our local world.
By going deep rather than broad, this magazine brings our community to life—fostering pride, connection and a true sense of community.
